Members receive access to a range of exclusive benefits such as events at the UN and across the United States, as well as opportunities to advocate, host Model UN conferences, and connect young professionals to UN experts.

UNA-USA Youth Leader

1. Why is the United Nations important to the world?

The United Nations is a convening point for the entire world, and an opportunity to address the world’s most pressing issues. There are a lot of problems that don’t have borders and the UN is the place where countries, organizations, and individuals can work together to find long-lasting solutions that might otherwise seem impossible.

2. How do the UN and its work affect your work or life?

In my professional life at the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign, I work to raise funds and awareness to support the UN’s malaria work. UN agencies save the lives of people around the world every day, and I’m proud to support that crucial work. In my personal life, the UN and model UN have allowed me to learn more about the world than I could possibly have gotten from a classroom or a newspaper.

3. Why should Americans care about the UN’s work?

Americans don’t necessarily notice the work of the UN in their everyday lives, but it is all around us. The UN allows the world’s governments to come together to foster collaboration instead of conflict and the world is a safer place because of that. The UN is good policy for the US.

4. In your opinion, what has been the UN’s best moment to date?

I don’t think I can point to any one moment and call it the UN’s best. Every day, the UN provides life-saving services for people around the world. And that makes for a lot of great moments.

5. What do you think is the most exciting opportunity for the UN going forward?

Moving forward, I think the UN has the exciting opportunity (and obligation, frankly) to set the development agenda for the next several decades. We are at a tipping point with so many issues and now is the time for innovative new solutions. The UN is in the position to not only bring those solutions to light, but to ensure that they are implemented effectively and have a lasting impact. Without the UN’s leadership, much of the progress that we’ve seen over the last several years will be lost.

6. What is the most effective element of UNA-USA’s work?

Without a doubt, I think the best thing UNA-USA does is to educate the American public about the UN and global issues. This is most evident in the Global Classrooms program, which provides underserved students with the opportunity to learn about the world and build their leadership skills. Additionally, Global Classrooms proves that we are invested in the education of young people regardless of their background or level of wealth, which can make a huge difference for students who often lack resources and the encouragement they require to be inspired to learn.